Chris Evans helicoptered out of Hay Festival just in time for baby Eli’s birth

Chris Evans only just made it to the birth of his baby boy Eli after being helicoptered out of Hay Festival in Wales, just two hours after arriving.

Chris Evans’ wife Natasha gave birth to their second son Eli Alfred Michael Evans in the early hours of this morning (Picture: Ian West/PA)

The Radio 2 DJ was faced the ultimate emergency when he got the call that his wife Natasha had gone into labour in London at around 9pm last night.

Eli Alfred Michael Evans was born in the early hours of this morning weighing a healthy 7lb 13oz.

Evans, who has dubbed the 52-minute labour a ‘two-push birth’, was due to host his breakfast show live from the festival today, forcing his One Show co-host Alex Jones to stand in.

The 46-year-old instead rang in to share his funny tale.

He said: ‘Once upon a time there was a silly radio DJ who went to Wales when his wife was four days overdue with their second child, thinking both mummy and baby might hang on until he returned – but of course he was completely wrong.

‘About two hours after he arrived he had to beat a hasty retreat to witness the birth.’

During his brief stint at the festival yesterday a young girl in the audience ironically asked Evans why he had left his wife at home considering she was four days overdue.

‘We have contingency plans. I promise not to miss my baby’s birth,’ he said.

‘This is showbusiness. Sometimes we have to be away – it’s like war.’

The father-of-three has since taken to Twitter to announce the good news.

He said: ‘Eli Alfred Michael Evans says hi ! Can’t wait to join you all out there. A nice quiet first day in and then I’ll be right with you. Xxx.’

After receiving a tirade of goodwill messages, he added: ‘Thx so much for all the twitter Eli love. It’s gonna be one hell of a weekend !! Pint !’

The couple’s first son, Noah, was born in February 2009.

Evans also has a 25-year-old daughter, Jade, from a previous relationship with Alison Ward.